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Description
Indications
This combination hormone medication is designed to serve as a contraceptive, effectively preventing pregnancy. It comprises two key hormones: norethindrone, a progestin, and ethinyl estradiol, an estrogen. Apart from its contraceptive purpose, birth control pills offer several other benefits. They can contribute to more regular menstrual cycles, reduce blood loss and alleviate menstrual pain, decrease the likelihood of ovarian cysts, and even be effective in treating acne.
Uses and Dosage
Administer this medication orally, with or without food, as per your doctor’s instructions, usually once daily. Choose a consistent time of day that is easy to remember and take the pill at that designated time daily.
Strict adherence to your doctor’s prescribed dosage is of utmost importance. Some birth control pill brands contain varying amounts of estrogen and progestin in each active tablet throughout the cycle. To ensure proper usage, follow the package instructions to identify the first tablet and take them in the correct order. Avoid skipping any doses, as it increases the risk of pregnancy. Starting a new pack late or taking the pill at a different time than usual can also elevate this risk.
If you experience vomiting or diarrhea within 3 to 4 hours after taking your tablet, please refer to the “What to Do if You Miss Tablets” section in the Patient Information Leaflet and follow the instructions as if you had missed your dose. Vomiting or diarrhea can interfere with the tablet’s efficacy.
If you encounter stomach upset or nausea with the medication, taking it after your evening meal or at bedtime may alleviate the discomfort. Alternatively, you may opt for a different time of day that suits your schedule better. Ensure that you take the medication at the same time each day, with 24-hour intervals.
Your pill pack contains 26 pills with active medication, comprising 24 pills with norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol and 2 pills containing only ethinyl estradiol. Additionally, there are 2 reminder pills with iron. Consume one active pill (with hormones) daily for 26 consecutive days. Following the last active pill, take one reminder pill (with iron) daily for 2 days unless instructed otherwise by your doctor. Menstruation typically occurs during the fourth week of the cycle. Commence a new pack the day after taking the last reminder tablet, regardless of whether your period is continuing or not.
If you are taking specific medications that can interact with iron, consult your doctor to determine whether you should discard the reminder pills (iron tablets) daily instead of consuming them. Iron may diminish the efficacy of these medications.
If this is your first time using this medication and you are not transitioning from another form of hormonal birth control (such as a patch or other birth control pills), take the first tablet in the pack on the first Sunday following the commencement of your menstrual period or on the first day of your period. If your period begins on a Sunday, start taking this medication on that day. During the initial cycle of use, employ an additional form of non-hormonal birth control (such as condoms, spermicide) for the first 7 days to prevent pregnancy until the medication has adequate time to take effect. If you begin on the first day of your period, you do not need to use backup birth control during the first week.
For guidance on switching from other forms of hormonal birth control (such as a patch or other birth control pills) to this product, seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- acne
- breast pain, tenderness, or swelling
- brown, blotchy spots on exposed skin
- cold or flu symptoms
- headache
- mood swings
- nausea
- painful menstrual cramps
- vomiting
- weight change
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- abdominal or stomach pain (sudden, severe, or continuing)
- anxiety
- breast lumps
changes in the uterine bleeding pattern at or between periods, such as:
- breakthrough bleeding or spotting between periods
- complete stopping of menstrual bleeding that occurs over several months in a row
- decreased bleeding during periods
- prolonged bleeding at periods
- stopping of menstrual bleeding that only occurs sometimes
- fluid retention (e.g., swelling of ankles, legs, wrists)
- increased blood pressure
- new or worsening migraines
- severe abdominal pain or tenderness
- vaginal infection with vaginal itching or irritation, or thick, white, or curd-like discharge
- loss of vision or change in vision
- pain in chest, groin, or leg
Caution
Prior to using this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies to estradiol, norethindrone, iron, estrogens (e.g., mestranol), progestins (e.g., desogestrel), or any other substances. This product might contain inactive ingredients that could trigger allergic reactions or other complications.
Before using this product, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have a history of blood clots, blood clotting disorders, high blood pressure, abnormal breast examinations, cancer, high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, depression, diabetes, a family or personal history of angioedema (a certain swelling disorder), gallbladder problems, severe headaches/migraines, heart problems, a history of yellowing of the eyes/skin (jaundice) during pregnancy or while using hormonal birth control, kidney disease, liver disease, stroke, swelling (edema), thyroid problems, unexplained vaginal bleeding, or obesity.
For individuals with diabetes, this medication may impact blood sugar levels. Regularly check your blood sugar as directed and share the results with your doctor. If you experience symptoms of high blood sugar, such as increased thirst or urination, notify your doctor promptly. Adjustments to your diabetes medication, exercise regimen, or diet might be necessary.
Inform your doctor if you have recently undergone surgery, are planning to have surgery, or will be immobile for an extended period (e.g., on a long plane flight). These circumstances can heighten the risk of blood clots, particularly when using hormonal birth control. Your doctor may advise temporarily discontinuing this medication or taking special precautions.
This medication may lead to the development of blotchy, dark areas on the face and skin (melasma). Exposure to sunlight can exacerbate this effect. Minimize sun exposure, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, and utilize sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.
If you are nearsighted or wear contact lenses, you may experience vision problems or difficulty wearing your contact lenses. In such cases, contact your eye doctor.
It may take a longer period for you to conceive after discontinuing birth control pills. Consult your doctor for guidance in this regard.
This medication should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. If you have recently given birth or experienced a pregnancy loss/abortion after the first three months, discuss reliable forms of birth control with your doctor and ascertain when it is safe to commence using birth control containing estrogen, such as this medication.
This medication can potentially reduce breast milk production. A small amount of the medication may pass into breast milk and have adverse effects on a nursing infant. Prior to breastfeeding, consult your doctor.
Form and Strength
Lolo Birth Control is available in the following forms and strengths:
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Lolo Birth Control tablet:
- 1mg/10mcg
FAQ
Is it normal to not have a period on Lolo Birth Control?
It’s not uncommon to miss a period while on birth control pills. In a clinical study, about half of women using Lolo Birth Control experienced a missed period by the end of 1 year.
Does Lolo Birth Control work immediately?
Lolo Birth Control can start working immediately as long as you start taking it at the beginning of your cycle.
Resources
- https://www.loloestrin.com/about-lo-loestrin-periods#:~:text=It%27s%20not%20uncommon%20to%20miss,the%20end%20of%201%20year.&text=Forty%2Dnine%20percent%20of%20women,period%20on%20Lo%20Loestrin%20Fe
- https://ro.co/health-guide/loestrin-birth-control/#:~:text=The%20great%20news%20is%20that,)%20(Schwartz%2C%202002)
- https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/lolo#adverseeffects
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-154991/lo-loestrin-fe-oral/details
- https://www.rxhealthmed.ca/medication_search/lolo/
- https://www.drugs.com/lo-loestrin-fe.html
